An abstract is a communication of restricted length that permits informed readers to evaluate significant contributions of a scientific study, method or technique of teaching or extension. An abstract becomes a part of the permanent literature. Therefore, clearly stated, simple sentences with exact wording must be used to ensure clarity and brevity.

AN ABSTRACT SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. The objective(s) of the presentation are to be clearly and concisely stated at the beginning of the abstract.
2. Pertinent methodological conditions (such as population and sample, design, instrumentation, methodology used, assessment of methodology, data collection, and data analysis) are to be included to define the scope of the work.
3. The information in the abstract is to include those details that directly influence the interpretation or enhance the understanding of the results or methodologies presented.
4. The results are to be compiled, condensed, and presented with great care. Only information that is discussed is to be presented. Only data relating to the objectives are to be reported. Any statistical inferences shall be sufficiently detailed to authenticate interpretation of the data. A simple illustrative table may be used if it is the most effective method to convey the results in a clear manner.
5. Abstracts detailing teaching/extension philosophy must be innovative, such as a new idea or creative modification or application of an existing idea. Abstracts are also to be of national significance, demonstrate application of said philosophy, and provide an evaluation of their effectiveness.
6. A clearly stated conclusion is essential.

1. Contains grammatical errors and(or) meaningless statements such as: "The results will be presented."
2. Presents data without appropriate statistical analyses or measurements of data variability.
3. Includes no data or statements relating to the objective(s).
4. Does not use the metric system.
5. Contains typing errors.
6. Fails to comply with submission requirements.
7. Presents opinion/speculation with no demonstrated use in a teaching/extension experience.

If you need clarification or additional information on abstract quality or submission, please contact the chairperson or the business office.
 

Attending conferences is an expensive activity. The audience has a right to expect quality presentations from speakers. Unfortunately, many of us in technical areas have not had training in public speaking and when giving a talk tend to emphasize technical accuracy and detail over effective presentation of information. These guidelines provide information that will aid the speaker in slide preparation and presentation to help increase the effectiveness of technical presentations.

1. The purpose of slides is to save time, increase interest and attentiveness, clarify or emphasize an idea, and increase audience recall of presented information. Be sure your slides effectively accomplish your desired goal.
2. The most common problem with slides is overcrowding. The print on a 2" x 2" slide should be readable without magnification. To help simplify slides consider the following:
• Convey only one main idea per slide.
• Express ideas in as few words as possible.
• Consider handout material containing extensive detail to supplement a more simplified slide.
• Instead of one complex slide, make several simplified slides with a conclusion slide describing the overall concept.
• A good general rule is to not exceed six lines or 45 characters and spaces per line.
3. To prepare slides that are successful in generating and holding attention, consider the following:
• Use slides with contrasting colors or negative slides. Darker colors against a dark negative background are not easily read.
• Minimize clutter.
• Don't try to tell the whole story on one slide.
• Be critical of print size and contrast of slides generated from computer graphics. Some do not yield art work suitable for slide making.
4. 4. An excellent book entitled "Writing and Presenting Scientific Papers," by Birgitta Malmfors, Phil Garnsworthy, and Michael Grossman may be purchased from the ASAS Headquarters Office; Phone 217/356-9050, FAX 217/398-4119, E-mail: asas@assochq.org.

Remember - don't put yourself in a position of having to apologize for your slides. If you must introduce a slide by saying "You may not be able to read this, but. . ." please consider not showing it.

A room for you to preview your slides before your presentation will be available.
Presenters should provide their own slide carousels.